Here in BC, Canada, we’re coming up to a provincial election. There seem to be a lot of elections taking place all over the world. It’s a time when citizens wield a lot of power. With climate change being ignored by so many politicians, we need to use our power to vote for candidates who take this major threat to our future seriously.

Our province has always been politically polarized, and many call it the wild west for its lack of regulations, especially around allowing political donations from corporations and unions. The problem is, when parties accept donations from the fossil fuel industry those industries expect, and receive, favours. It’s big money against us and our environment, and we need to act accordingly.

We’re at a point in human history where what we do carries a lot of weight. If we don’t change course we will destroy our planetary life support systems. It’s crucial that we vote for the candidates who understand the seriousness of our situation.

Here’s an article that shows how little concern BC government and industry have for addressing emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The technology is there to capture it, but not the political will. Here’s another article that shows a complete lack of concern for climate change in the tar sands.

image courtesy of Pixabay

To me, it feels like we’re in a house on fire, and most politicians are just throwing fuel on it and saying that the fire isn’t serious.

What’s wrong with these people? Have they bought into the party line so much that in their minds winning an election takes precedence over human survival? Or are their hands tied because of corporate donations?

The deciding factor for me in this election is commitment to protecting and restoring our environment. The candidate who expresses a genuine desire to address climate change, and is backed up by party policy, has my vote.

My hope is that others who don’t usually vote will recognize and use their power. Choosing the people who will make decisions on our behalf is a big deal, and so is participating in this democratic process. People have fought and died so that we could have the right to vote, and our children are depending on us to use our power for the sake of their future.

If you’re in the Nelson-Creston riding but missed last night’s all candidates debate, or if you’re curious about candidates in this neck of the woods, here’s the video. Can you guess who I’m voting for?

If we’re to survive, we have to be wise and active at this critical time in history. Where ever we are in the world, we’re facing the same dire circumstances. We need to use our power, and voting with our conscience is incredibly powerful.

Please vote for the candidate who values our future more than their political career; who sees past the party line; who holds and shares our vision for a fair and liveable future. It’s up to each one of us to make a responsible choice.